Wedding Lighting 101: Uplighting, Monograms and Pin Spots

Lighting is the fastest way to change how a room feels. The same ballroom can look plain at 4 PM and unforgettable at 7 PM once the lights are set. Here's a quick guide to the lighting options couples ask us about most, with photos from our own events.

Uplighting

Uplights sit on the floor and wash the walls in color. They're the biggest bang for your buck: one color across the room ties everything together, and you can match your wedding colors exactly. Warm amber feels classic and romantic, while bold reds, purples and blues bring party energy.

Monograms

A monogram is a custom image projected with light. It can be your initials, your names and wedding date, or a milestone like an anniversary. We can put it on the wall behind the head table or right on the dance floor, where it shows up in your first dance photos.

Pin spots

Pin spots are narrow beams aimed straight down at a single point, usually your centerpieces or the cake. In a room with the overhead lights dimmed, they make the details pop in person and in photos.

Dance floor lighting

When it's time to party, moving lights and patterns on the dance floor signal to guests that the night has changed gears. For your first dance, we can soften it to a gentle pattern of light around the two of you.

Tips for planning your lighting

• Ask your venue whether the overhead lights can be dimmed. Lighting looks best in a darker room.

• Pick one or two colors that match your décor rather than a rainbow.

• Send us your monogram idea early so we can design it and approve it with you before the big day.

• Book lighting with your DJ so the music and lights are run by one team.

See more on our Event Lighting page, or send us your date and we'll put together options for your venue.

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